/* candidate.css — Candidate Center page styles */

/* ============================================================
   VALIDATE GROUP — shared design system
   DNA sourced from the Guidance & Requirements page
   ============================================================ */
:root{
  --navy:#0a2a66;
  --navy-deep:#072051;
  --navy-darker:#04173d;
  --blue:#1e56c8;
  --blue-bright:#2f6be0;
  --blue-soft:#eaf1fc;
  --blue-tint:#f4f8fd;
  --gold:#c8942f;
  --gold-bright:#dcae4a;
  --gold-deep:#a97b22;
  --gold-soft:#fdf4e3;
  --gold-peach:#fbe9d2;
  --grad-navy:linear-gradient(115deg,#0a2a66 0%,#123a86 55%,#1a4ba5 100%);
  --grad-blue:linear-gradient(115deg,#14418f 0%,#1c56bd 55%,#2568d8 100%);
  --grad-gold:linear-gradient(115deg,#a97b22 0%,#c8942f 45%,#e0b558 100%);
  --ink:#16233d;
  --slate:#5b6880;
  --line:#e5ebf4;
  --white:#ffffff;
  --ok:#1f9d6b;
  --radius:14px;
  --radius-lg:22px;
  --shadow-sm:0 2px 10px rgba(10,42,102,.06);
  --shadow-md:0 12px 34px rgba(10,42,102,.10);
  --shadow-lg:0 26px 64px rgba(10,42,102,.16);
  --offset:0 18px 30px -18px rgba(30,86,200,.5);
  --display:'Sora',sans-serif;
  --body:'Inter',sans-serif;
}
*{margin:0;padding:0;box-sizing:border-box}
html{scroll-behavior:smooth}
body{font-family:var(--body);color:var(--ink);background:var(--white);line-height:1.62;overflow-x:hidden}
a{text-decoration:none;color:inherit}
img{max-width:100%;display:block}
h1,h2,h3,h4,h5{font-family:var(--display);font-weight:700;line-height:1.14;letter-spacing:-.01em;color:var(--navy)}
.wrap{max-width:1200px;margin:0 auto;padding:0 26px}
.sec{padding:80px 0}
.sec-tight{padding:60px 0}

/* pill eyebrow + section heads (from guidance page) */
.pill{display:inline-block;background:var(--blue-soft);color:var(--blue);font-family:var(--display);font-weight:600;font-size:.72rem;letter-spacing:.04em;padding:7px 16px;border-radius:100px;margin-bottom:16px}
.center{text-align:center}
.center .pill{display:inline-block}
.h-sec{font-size:2rem;font-weight:800;margin-bottom:10px}
.h-sec .amp{color:var(--gold)}
.lead-sec{color:var(--slate);font-size:1rem;max-width:600px;margin:0 auto 46px}
.center .lead-sec{margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto}

/* buttons */
.btn{font-family:var(--display);font-weight:600;font-size:.87rem;padding:13px 24px;border-radius:10px;cursor:pointer;border:1.6px solid transparent;transition:.22s;display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:9px;white-space:nowrap;line-height:1}
.btn svg{width:16px;height:16px}
.btn-primary{background:var(--blue);color:#fff}
.btn-primary:hover{background:var(--navy);transform:translateY(-2px);box-shadow:0 10px 24px rgba(30,86,200,.32)}
.btn-gold{background:var(--gold);color:#fff}
.btn-gold:hover{background:var(--gold-bright);transform:translateY(-2px);box-shadow:0 10px 24px rgba(200,148,47,.42)}
.btn-outline{background:transparent;color:var(--navy);border-color:var(--line)}
.btn-outline:hover{border-color:var(--blue);color:var(--blue)}
.btn-ghost-light{background:rgba(255,255,255,.12);color:#fff;border-color:rgba(255,255,255,.25)}
.btn-ghost-light:hover{background:rgba(255,255,255,.2)}
.btn-white{background:#fff;color:var(--navy)}
.btn-white:hover{transform:translateY(-2px);box-shadow:var(--shadow-md)}

/* ---------- TOPBAR ---------- */
.topbar{background:var(--navy-darker);color:rgba(255,255,255,.8);font-size:.76rem}
.topbar-in{max-width:1200px;margin:0 auto;padding:8px 26px;display:flex;justify-content:space-between;align-items:center;gap:14px}
.topbar .socials{display:flex;gap:8px}
.topbar .socials a{width:26px;height:26px;border-radius:6px;background:rgba(255,255,255,.08);display:grid;place-items:center;transition:.2s}
.topbar .socials a:hover{background:var(--blue)}
.topbar .socials svg{width:13px;height:13px;stroke:#fff}
.topbar-right{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:16px}
.topbar-right a{transition:.2s}.topbar-right a:hover{color:#fff}
.lang{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:6px;font-family:var(--display);font-weight:600;cursor:pointer;color:#fff}
.lang svg{width:13px;height:13px;stroke:var(--gold)}

/* ---------- NAV ---------- */
.nav{position:sticky;top:0;z-index:1000;background:rgba(255,255,255,.94);backdrop-filter:blur(14px);border-bottom:1px solid var(--line);transition:.3s}
.nav.scrolled{box-shadow:var(--shadow-sm)}
.nav-in{display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:space-between;height:74px;max-width:1200px;margin:0 auto;padding:0 26px}
.logo{display:flex;flex-direction:column;line-height:1}
.logo-img{height:34px;width:auto;display:block}
.logo small{font-size:.55rem;color:var(--slate);letter-spacing:.06em;font-style:italic;margin-top:4px}
.menu{display:flex;gap:26px;list-style:none;align-items:center}
.menu>li>a{font-size:.9rem;font-weight:500;color:var(--ink);position:relative;padding:26px 0;display:block;transition:.2s}
.menu>li>a:hover,.menu>li.active>a{color:var(--blue)}
.menu>li>a::after{content:"";position:absolute;left:0;bottom:20px;height:2px;width:0;background:var(--blue);transition:.25s}
.menu>li>a:hover::after,.menu>li.active>a::after{width:100%}
.nav-cta{display:flex;gap:10px;align-items:center}
.burger{display:none;flex-direction:column;gap:5px;cursor:pointer;background:none;border:none}
.burger span{width:24px;height:2px;background:var(--navy);transition:.3s}

/* ---------- HERO SLIDER ---------- */
.hero{position:relative;overflow:hidden;background:linear-gradient(160deg,#eaf1fc 0%,#f4f8fd 55%,#fff 100%)}
.hero::before{content:"";position:absolute;top:-140px;right:-90px;width:540px;height:540px;background:radial-gradient(circle,rgba(30,86,200,.10),transparent 68%);border-radius:50%}
.hero::after{content:"";position:absolute;bottom:-150px;left:-110px;width:440px;height:440px;background:radial-gradient(circle,rgba(199,154,60,.09),transparent 68%);border-radius:50%}
.slides{position:relative}
.slide{display:none;padding:70px 0 78px}
.slide.active{display:block;animation:fade .7s ease}
@keyframes fade{from{opacity:0;transform:translateY(14px)}to{opacity:1;transform:none}}
.slide-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1.05fr .95fr;gap:52px;align-items:center;position:relative;z-index:2}
.slide .ey{display:inline-block;background:#fff;color:var(--blue);font-family:var(--display);font-weight:600;font-size:.72rem;letter-spacing:.04em;padding:7px 15px;border-radius:100px;margin-bottom:18px;box-shadow:var(--shadow-sm)}
.slide h1{font-size:3.15rem;font-weight:800;color:var(--navy);line-height:1.08}
.slide h1 em{font-style:normal;color:var(--gold)}
.slide p.lead{font-size:1.04rem;color:var(--slate);margin:20px 0 28px;max-width:480px}
.slide-btns{display:flex;gap:13px;flex-wrap:wrap}
.slide-btns .btn{padding:14px 26px;font-size:.9rem}
/* hero visual card */
.hero-photo{position:relative;border-radius:24px;overflow:hidden;box-shadow:var(--shadow-lg);aspect-ratio:4/3;background:var(--blue-soft)}
.hero-photo img{width:100%;height:100%;object-fit:cover;display:block}
.hero-tag{position:absolute;left:18px;bottom:18px;background:rgba(255,255,255,.95);backdrop-filter:blur(6px);border-radius:12px;padding:9px 14px;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:9px;font-family:var(--display);font-weight:600;font-size:.8rem;color:var(--navy);box-shadow:var(--shadow-md)}
.hero-tag .d{width:24px;height:24px;border-radius:7px;background:var(--blue-soft);display:grid;place-items:center;flex-shrink:0}
.hero-tag .d svg{width:14px;height:14px;stroke:var(--blue)}
.hero-card{background:rgba(255,255,255,.55);border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.85);backdrop-filter:blur(6px);border-radius:26px;padding:36px;box-shadow:var(--shadow-lg);display:grid;place-items:center;min-height:352px;position:relative}
.shield-wrap{position:relative;width:100%;max-width:320px}
.float-doc{position:absolute;background:#fff;border-radius:10px;box-shadow:var(--shadow-md);padding:9px 12px;display:flex;align-items:center;gap:8px;font-size:.68rem;font-weight:600;color:var(--slate);animation:float 5s ease-in-out infinite}
.float-doc .d{width:22px;height:22px;border-radius:6px;background:var(--blue-soft);display:grid;place-items:center}
.float-doc .d svg{width:12px;height:12px;stroke:var(--blue)}
.fd1{top:0;left:-6%}.fd2{top:14%;right:-9%;animation-delay:1.2s}
.fd3{bottom:16%;left:-9%;animation-delay:.6s}.fd4{bottom:0;right:-4%;animation-delay:1.8s}
@keyframes float{0%,100%{transform:translateY(0)}50%{transform:translateY(-12px)}}
.shield{width:150px;height:172px;margin:0 auto}
/* slider controls */
.hero-dots{position:absolute;bottom:26px;left:50%;transform:translateX(-50%);display:flex;gap:9px;z-index:6}
.hero-dots button{width:9px;height:9px;border-radius:50%;background:rgba(10,42,102,.22);border:none;cursor:pointer;transition:.25s;padding:0}
.hero-dots button.active{background:var(--blue);width:28px;border-radius:5px}
.hero-arrow{position:absolute;top:50%;transform:translateY(-50%);z-index:6;width:44px;height:44px;border-radius:50%;background:#fff;border:1px solid var(--line);display:grid;place-items:center;cursor:pointer;box-shadow:var(--shadow-sm);transition:.2s}
.hero-arrow:hover{background:var(--blue);border-color:var(--blue)}
.hero-arrow:hover svg{stroke:#fff}
.hero-arrow svg{width:18px;height:18px;stroke:var(--navy)}
.ha-prev{left:14px}.ha-next{right:14px}

/* ---------- STATS ---------- */
.stats{margin-top:-46px;position:relative;z-index:5}
.stats-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(4,1fr);gap:20px}
.stat{background:#fff;border-radius:16px;padding:26px 24px;box-shadow:0 10px 30px rgba(10,42,102,.09);border-bottom:4px solid transparent;transition:.28s;display:flex;gap:16px;align-items:center;position:relative;overflow:hidden}
.stat::after{content:"";position:absolute;top:-28px;right:-16px;width:88px;height:88px;border-radius:50%;background:rgba(30,86,200,.05)}
.stat:hover{transform:translateY(-6px);border-bottom-color:var(--gold);box-shadow:0 22px 48px rgba(10,42,102,.16)}
.stat .ic{width:50px;height:50px;border-radius:14px;background:var(--grad-navy);display:grid;place-items:center;flex-shrink:0;position:relative;z-index:2;box-shadow:0 6px 16px rgba(10,42,102,.20)}
.stat .ic svg{width:24px;height:24px;stroke:#fff}
.stat:nth-child(4) .ic{background:var(--grad-gold);box-shadow:0 6px 16px rgba(200,148,47,.30)}
.stat .num{font-family:var(--display);font-weight:800;font-size:1.5rem;color:var(--navy);line-height:1}
.stat .lbl{font-size:.76rem;color:var(--slate);margin-top:3px}

/* ---------- START JOURNEY (gold numbered stepper — SIGNATURE) ---------- */
.journey{background:var(--blue-tint)}
.stepper{position:relative;display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(4,1fr);gap:14px;margin-top:8px}
.stepper::before{content:"";position:absolute;top:28px;left:11%;right:11%;height:0;border-top:2px dashed rgba(200,148,47,.55);z-index:1}
.jstep{position:relative;z-index:2;text-align:center}
.jstep .circ{width:56px;height:56px;border-radius:50%;background:var(--gold);border:none;display:grid;place-items:center;margin:0 auto 16px;position:relative;transition:.28s;box-shadow:0 6px 16px rgba(200,148,47,.30)}
.jstep .circ svg{display:none}
.jstep .n{position:static;width:auto;height:auto;border-radius:0;background:none;border:none;color:#fff;font-family:var(--display);font-weight:700;font-size:1.3rem;display:block;line-height:1}
.jstep:hover .circ{transform:translateY(-6px);box-shadow:0 14px 28px rgba(200,148,47,.44);background:var(--gold-bright)}
.jstep h4{font-size:1rem;margin-bottom:6px}
.jstep p{font-size:.82rem;color:var(--slate);padding:0 6px}
/* option cards under stepper */
.journey-opts{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:20px;margin-top:44px}
.jopt{background:#fff;border:none;border-radius:16px;overflow:hidden;display:flex;flex-direction:column;transition:.28s;box-shadow:0 10px 30px rgba(10,42,102,.09);text-align:left}
.jopt:hover{transform:translateY(-6px);box-shadow:0 22px 48px rgba(10,42,102,.16)}
/* gradient title band — same language as the reference cards */
.jopt .jhead{padding:16px 22px;color:#fff;font-family:var(--display);font-weight:700;font-size:1.04rem;position:relative;overflow:hidden}
.jopt .jhead::after{content:"";position:absolute;top:-26px;right:-14px;width:96px;height:96px;border-radius:50%;background:rgba(255,255,255,.10)}
.jopt .jhead::before{content:"";position:absolute;top:14px;right:38px;width:44px;height:44px;border-radius:50%;background:rgba(255,255,255,.07)}
.jopt .jhead.navy{background:var(--grad-navy)}
.jopt .jhead.gold{background:var(--grad-gold)}
.jopt .jhead.gold::after{background:rgba(255,255,255,.15)}
.jopt .jhead.gold::before{background:rgba(255,255,255,.10)}
/* image band */
.jopt .jmedia{height:190px;overflow:hidden;background:var(--blue-soft);position:relative}
.jopt .jmedia img{width:100%;height:100%;object-fit:cover;display:block;transition:transform .5s cubic-bezier(.2,.7,.2,1)}
.jopt:hover .jmedia img{transform:scale(1.05)}
/* body */
.jopt .jbody{padding:20px 22px 24px;flex:1;display:flex;flex-direction:column}
.jopt .jbody p{font-size:.86rem;color:var(--slate);margin:0 0 14px}
.jopt .go{font-family:var(--display);font-weight:600;font-size:.85rem;color:var(--blue);display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:7px;margin-top:auto}
.jopt .go svg{width:15px;height:15px;stroke:var(--blue);transition:.25s}
.jopt:hover .go svg{transform:translateX(5px)}

/* ---------- WHY (4C) ---------- */
.why-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(4,1fr);gap:20px}
.why-card{background:#fff;border:none;border-radius:16px;padding:28px 24px;transition:.28s;box-shadow:0 10px 30px rgba(10,42,102,.09);position:relative;overflow:hidden}
.why-card::after{content:"";position:absolute;top:-30px;right:-18px;width:96px;height:96px;border-radius:50%;background:rgba(30,86,200,.05)}
.why-card:hover{box-shadow:0 22px 48px rgba(10,42,102,.16);transform:translateY(-6px)}
.why-card .ic{width:52px;height:52px;border-radius:14px;background:var(--grad-navy);display:grid;place-items:center;margin-bottom:18px;position:relative;z-index:2;box-shadow:0 6px 16px rgba(10,42,102,.22)}
.why-card .ic svg{width:25px;height:25px;stroke:#fff}
/* 4th card gets the gold gradient, echoing the reference trio */
.why-card:nth-child(4) .ic{background:var(--grad-gold);box-shadow:0 6px 16px rgba(200,148,47,.30)}
.why-card:nth-child(4)::after{background:rgba(200,148,47,.07)}
.why-card:nth-child(2) .ic,.why-card:nth-child(3) .ic{background:var(--grad-blue);box-shadow:0 6px 16px rgba(28,86,189,.24)}
.why-card h4{font-size:1.05rem;margin-bottom:8px}
.why-card p{font-size:.85rem;color:var(--slate)}

/* ---------- SERVICES ---------- */
.serv-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(4,1fr);gap:18px}
.serv{background:#fff;border:none;border-radius:16px;padding:26px 22px;transition:.28s;position:relative;overflow:hidden;display:block;box-shadow:0 10px 30px rgba(10,42,102,.09)}
.serv::after{content:"";position:absolute;top:-30px;right:-18px;width:92px;height:92px;border-radius:50%;background:rgba(30,86,200,.05)}
.serv::before{content:"";position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:4px;background:var(--grad-gold);transform:scaleX(0);transform-origin:left;transition:.3s;z-index:3}
.serv:hover::before{transform:scaleX(1)}
.serv:hover{transform:translateY(-6px);box-shadow:0 22px 48px rgba(10,42,102,.16)}
.serv .ic{width:50px;height:50px;border-radius:14px;background:var(--grad-navy);display:grid;place-items:center;margin-bottom:16px;position:relative;z-index:2;box-shadow:0 6px 16px rgba(10,42,102,.20)}
.serv .ic svg{width:24px;height:24px;stroke:#fff}
.serv:hover .ic{background:var(--grad-gold);box-shadow:0 6px 16px rgba(200,148,47,.32)}
.serv h4{font-size:.98rem;margin-bottom:7px}
.serv p{font-size:.8rem;color:var(--slate);margin-bottom:14px;min-height:3.2em}
.serv .arrow{width:26px;height:26px;stroke:var(--blue);transition:.25s}
.serv:hover .arrow{transform:translateX(6px)}

/* ---------- PROCESS (STAGE timeline) ---------- */
.proc{background:var(--blue-tint);border-radius:var(--radius-lg);padding:52px 40px;position:relative}
.timeline{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(5,1fr);gap:10px;position:relative}
.timeline::before{content:"";position:absolute;top:26px;left:9%;right:9%;height:0;border-top:2px dashed rgba(200,148,47,.55);z-index:1}
.tstep{text-align:center;position:relative;z-index:2}
.tstep .node{width:54px;height:54px;border-radius:50%;background:var(--gold);border:none;display:grid;place-items:center;margin:0 auto 14px;transition:.26s;box-shadow:0 6px 16px rgba(200,148,47,.28)}
.tstep .node svg{width:24px;height:24px;stroke:#fff}
.tstep:hover .node{background:var(--gold-bright);transform:translateY(-5px);box-shadow:0 14px 28px rgba(200,148,47,.44)}

.stage-badge{display:inline-block;background:var(--navy);color:#fff;font-family:var(--display);font-weight:600;font-size:.62rem;letter-spacing:.05em;padding:4px 12px;border-radius:100px;margin-bottom:10px}
.stage-badge.g{background:var(--gold)}
.tstep h4{font-size:.86rem;margin-bottom:6px}
.tstep p{font-size:.72rem;color:var(--slate);padding:0 3px}

/* ---------- INDUSTRIES ---------- */
.ind-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(4,1fr);gap:16px}
.ind{background:#fff;border:none;border-radius:16px;padding:24px 20px;transition:.28s;display:flex;gap:15px;align-items:center;box-shadow:0 10px 30px rgba(10,42,102,.09);position:relative;overflow:hidden}
.ind::after{content:"";position:absolute;top:-28px;right:-16px;width:86px;height:86px;border-radius:50%;background:rgba(30,86,200,.05)}
.ind:hover{transform:translateY(-6px);box-shadow:0 22px 48px rgba(10,42,102,.16)}
.ind .ic{width:48px;height:48px;border-radius:13px;background:var(--grad-navy);display:grid;place-items:center;flex-shrink:0;transition:.26s;position:relative;z-index:2;box-shadow:0 5px 14px rgba(10,42,102,.20)}
.ind .ic svg{stroke:#fff}
.ind:hover .ic{background:var(--grad-gold);box-shadow:0 6px 16px rgba(200,148,47,.32)}
.ind:hover .ic svg{stroke:#fff}
.ind .ic svg{width:23px;height:23px}
.ind span{font-size:.86rem;font-weight:600;color:var(--navy);line-height:1.3}

/* ---------- TESTIMONIALS ---------- */
.testi-vp{overflow:hidden}
.testi-track{display:flex;gap:20px;transition:transform .5s ease}
.testi{background:#fff;border:none;border-radius:16px;padding:30px 28px;min-width:calc((100% - 40px)/3);flex-shrink:0;box-shadow:0 10px 30px rgba(10,42,102,.09);position:relative;overflow:hidden}
.testi::after{content:"";position:absolute;top:-30px;right:-18px;width:92px;height:92px;border-radius:50%;background:rgba(200,148,47,.06)}
.testi .q{font-family:var(--display);font-size:2.6rem;color:var(--gold-peach);line-height:.5;margin-bottom:10px;position:relative;z-index:2}
.testi p{font-size:.9rem;color:var(--ink);margin-bottom:16px;min-height:4.4em}
.stars{color:var(--gold);letter-spacing:2px;margin-bottom:14px;font-size:.9rem}
.testi-who{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:12px}
.avatar{width:44px;height:44px;border-radius:50%;background:var(--grad-navy);color:#fff;display:grid;place-items:center;font-family:var(--display);font-weight:700;position:relative;z-index:2}
.testi-who b{font-size:.86rem;color:var(--navy);display:block}
.testi-who small{font-size:.74rem;color:var(--slate)}
.slider-dots{display:flex;justify-content:center;gap:9px;margin-top:26px}
.slider-dots button{width:9px;height:9px;border-radius:50%;background:var(--line);border:none;cursor:pointer;transition:.2s;padding:0}
.slider-dots button.active{background:var(--blue);width:26px;border-radius:5px}

/* ---------- ACCREDITATIONS ---------- */
.accred-strip{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(6,1fr);gap:16px}
.accred{background:#fff;border:none;border-radius:16px;padding:20px;display:grid;place-items:center;min-height:88px;transition:.28s;box-shadow:0 10px 30px rgba(10,42,102,.09)}
.accred:hover{transform:translateY(-5px);box-shadow:0 20px 44px rgba(10,42,102,.15)}
.accred img{max-width:100%;max-height:52px;width:auto;height:auto;object-fit:contain;filter:grayscale(1);opacity:.72;transition:.28s}
.accred:hover img{filter:grayscale(0);opacity:1}

/* ---------- CONTACT ---------- */
.contact-band{background:linear-gradient(135deg,var(--navy) 0%,var(--navy-deep) 55%,var(--navy-darker) 100%);border-radius:var(--radius-lg);overflow:hidden;position:relative}
.contact-band::before{content:"";position:absolute;inset:0;background-image:radial-gradient(circle,rgba(255,255,255,.15) 1px,transparent 1px);background-size:26px 26px;opacity:.4}
.contact-in{display:grid;grid-template-columns:.82fr 1.18fr;position:relative;z-index:2}
.contact-left{padding:52px 44px;color:#fff}
.contact-left .pill{background:rgba(255,255,255,.12);color:#fff}
.contact-left h3{font-size:1.7rem;color:#fff;margin-bottom:8px}
.contact-left>p{color:rgba(255,255,255,.72);font-size:.92rem;margin-bottom:28px}
.c-row{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:14px;margin-bottom:18px}
.c-row .ic{width:42px;height:42px;border-radius:10px;background:rgba(255,255,255,.1);display:grid;place-items:center;flex-shrink:0}
.c-row .ic svg{width:19px;height:19px;stroke:#fff}
.c-row span{font-size:.9rem;color:rgba(255,255,255,.9)}
.contact-form{background:#fff;margin:22px;border-radius:16px;padding:34px}
.contact-form h3{font-size:1.32rem;margin-bottom:20px}
.f-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:14px;margin-bottom:14px}
.contact-form input,.contact-form select,.contact-form textarea{width:100%;padding:12px 14px;border:1px solid var(--line);border-radius:9px;font-family:var(--body);font-size:.88rem;color:var(--ink);background:var(--blue-tint);transition:.2s}
.contact-form input:focus,.contact-form select:focus,.contact-form textarea:focus{outline:none;border-color:var(--blue);background:#fff;box-shadow:0 0 0 3px rgba(30,86,200,.1)}
.contact-form textarea{resize:vertical;min-height:88px;margin-bottom:16px}

/* ---------- FOOTER ---------- */
.footer{background:var(--navy-darker);color:rgba(255,255,255,.66);padding:58px 0 0}
.foot-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1.5fr 1fr 1fr 1.3fr;gap:36px;padding-bottom:36px}
.foot-logo-img{height:32px;width:auto;display:block}
.footer .slogan{font-family:var(--display);font-size:.82rem;color:var(--gold);margin:12px 0 18px;font-style:italic}
.footer p.tag{font-size:.84rem;margin-bottom:20px;max-width:290px}
.cert-badges{display:flex;gap:10px;margin-bottom:20px}
.cert-badges .cb{background:rgba(255,255,255,.08);border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.12);border-radius:8px;padding:8px 12px;font-family:var(--display);font-weight:700;font-size:.66rem;color:#fff;text-align:center;line-height:1.3}
.cert-badges .cb small{display:block;font-weight:500;font-size:.56rem;color:rgba(255,255,255,.6)}
.socials-f{display:flex;gap:10px}
.socials-f a{width:36px;height:36px;border-radius:9px;background:rgba(255,255,255,.08);display:grid;place-items:center;transition:.24s}
.socials-f a:hover{background:var(--blue);transform:translateY(-3px)}
.socials-f svg{width:16px;height:16px;stroke:#fff}
.footer h5{color:#fff;font-size:.96rem;margin-bottom:16px}
.footer ul{list-style:none}.footer ul li{margin-bottom:10px}
.footer ul a{font-size:.85rem;transition:.2s}
.footer ul a:hover{color:var(--gold);padding-left:4px}
.foot-contact .cc{display:flex;gap:10px;margin-bottom:13px;font-size:.84rem;align-items:flex-start}
.foot-contact svg{width:16px;height:16px;stroke:var(--gold);flex-shrink:0;margin-top:3px}
.foot-bottom{border-top:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.1);padding:20px 0;display:flex;justify-content:space-between;align-items:center;font-size:.8rem;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:14px}
.pay-logos{display:flex;gap:8px;align-items:center}
.pay-logos .pl{background:#fff;border-radius:5px;padding:3px 8px;font-family:var(--display);font-weight:800;font-size:.66rem;color:var(--navy);letter-spacing:.02em}
.foot-links-bottom a{margin-left:18px;transition:.2s}
.foot-links-bottom a:hover{color:var(--gold)}

/* ---------- PAGE HERO (sub-pages) ---------- */
.page-hero{background:linear-gradient(135deg,var(--navy),var(--navy-deep));color:#fff;padding:64px 0;position:relative;overflow:hidden}
.page-hero::before{content:"";position:absolute;inset:0;background-image:radial-gradient(circle,rgba(255,255,255,.12) 1px,transparent 1px);background-size:26px 26px;opacity:.4}
.page-hero .wrap{position:relative;z-index:2}
.page-hero .pill{background:rgba(255,255,255,.14);color:#fff}
.page-hero h1{color:#fff;font-size:2.5rem;font-weight:800;margin-bottom:10px}
.page-hero p{color:rgba(255,255,255,.78);max-width:560px}
.breadcrumb{font-size:.8rem;color:rgba(255,255,255,.6);margin-bottom:14px}
.breadcrumb a:hover{color:#fff}
.prose{max-width:760px}
.prose h2{font-size:1.5rem;margin:36px 0 12px}
.prose h3{font-size:1.15rem;margin:26px 0 8px}
.prose p{color:var(--slate);margin-bottom:14px}
.prose ul{margin:0 0 16px 20px;color:var(--slate)}
.prose li{margin-bottom:8px}
.stub-note{background:var(--gold-soft);border:1px solid var(--gold);border-radius:12px;padding:16px 20px;font-size:.85rem;color:var(--ink);margin-bottom:30px;display:flex;gap:12px;align-items:flex-start}
.stub-note svg{width:20px;height:20px;stroke:var(--gold);flex-shrink:0;margin-top:2px}

/* ---------- REVEAL ---------- */
/* Content is ALWAYS visible. The fade is a pure-CSS entrance that runs once on load
   and can never leave anything hidden — no JavaScript, no observer, no blank sections. */
.reveal{opacity:1;transform:none;animation:reveal-in .7s cubic-bezier(.2,.7,.2,1) both}
@keyframes reveal-in{from{opacity:0;transform:translateY(22px)}to{opacity:1;transform:none}}

/* ---------- RESPONSIVE ---------- */
@media(max-width:1080px){
  .serv-grid,.ind-grid{grid-template-columns:repeat(2,1fr)}
  .why-grid,.stats-grid{grid-template-columns:repeat(2,1fr)}
  .accred-strip{grid-template-columns:repeat(3,1fr)}
  .testi{min-width:calc((100% - 20px)/2)}
}
@media(max-width:860px){
  .topbar{display:none}
  .menu,.nav-cta .btn{display:none}
  .burger{display:flex}
  .menu.open{display:flex;position:absolute;top:74px;left:0;right:0;background:#fff;flex-direction:column;padding:22px 26px;gap:6px;box-shadow:var(--shadow-md);align-items:flex-start}
  .menu.open>li>a{padding:12px 0}
  .menu.open>li>a::after{display:none}
  .slide-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr;gap:38px}
  .slide h1{font-size:2.4rem}
  .hero-visual{order:-1}
  .hero-arrow{display:none}
  .stepper{grid-template-columns:repeat(2,1fr);gap:30px}
  .stepper::before{display:none}
  .journey-opts,.timeline,.contact-in,.f-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr}
  .timeline{gap:28px}.timeline::before{display:none}
  .foot-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr}
  .sec{padding:58px 0}
}
@media(max-width:560px){
  .stats-grid,.why-grid,.serv-grid,.ind-grid,.accred-strip{grid-template-columns:1fr}
  .testi{min-width:100%}
  .foot-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr}
  .slide h1{font-size:2rem}
  .contact-left,.contact-form{padding:28px 22px}
  .foot-bottom{flex-direction:column;text-align:center}
}
@media(prefers-reduced-motion:reduce){
  *{animation:none!important;transition:none!important}
  .reveal{opacity:1;transform:none}
}

/* ============================================================
   GRADIENT HEADER CARDS + PEACH CHECKS  (reference palette)
   Shared by the homepage and the Guidance page.
   ============================================================ */
.gcards{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(3,1fr);gap:22px}
.gcard-x{background:#fff;border-radius:16px;overflow:hidden;box-shadow:0 10px 30px rgba(10,42,102,.09);transition:.28s;display:flex;flex-direction:column}
.gcard-x:hover{transform:translateY(-6px);box-shadow:0 22px 48px rgba(10,42,102,.16)}
.gcard-x .gtop{padding:18px 24px;color:#fff;font-family:var(--display);font-weight:700;font-size:1.06rem;position:relative;overflow:hidden}
/* soft circular watermark, top-right — as in the reference */
.gcard-x .gtop::after{content:"";position:absolute;top:-26px;right:-14px;width:96px;height:96px;border-radius:50%;background:rgba(255,255,255,.10)}
.gcard-x .gtop::before{content:"";position:absolute;top:14px;right:38px;width:44px;height:44px;border-radius:50%;background:rgba(255,255,255,.07)}
.gcard-x.navy  .gtop{background:var(--grad-navy)}
.gcard-x.blue  .gtop{background:var(--grad-blue)}
.gcard-x.gold  .gtop{background:var(--grad-gold)}
.gcard-x ul{list-style:none;padding:22px 24px 26px;margin:0;flex:1}
.gcard-x li{display:flex;gap:12px;font-size:.88rem;color:var(--slate);margin-bottom:16px;align-items:flex-start;line-height:1.55}
.gcard-x li:last-child{margin-bottom:0}
/* peach/cream circle with gold tick */
.tick{width:20px;height:20px;border-radius:50%;background:var(--gold-peach);display:grid;place-items:center;flex-shrink:0;margin-top:2px}
.tick svg{width:11px;height:11px;stroke:var(--gold-deep);stroke-width:3}
@media(max-width:860px){.gcards{grid-template-columns:1fr}}


.jph{width:100%;height:100%;display:grid;place-items:center;text-align:center;padding:16px}
.jph span{font-family:var(--display);font-weight:700;font-size:.92rem;color:#fff;opacity:.95;letter-spacing:.02em}
.jph-navy{background:linear-gradient(135deg,#0a2a66,#1a4ba5)}
.jph-gold{background:linear-gradient(135deg,#a97b22,#e0b558)}


/* ============================================================
   CANDIDATE CENTER — card system additions
   ============================================================ */
.page-hero{background:linear-gradient(135deg,var(--navy),var(--navy-deep));color:#fff;
  padding:74px 0;position:relative;overflow:hidden;text-align:center}
.page-hero::before{content:"";position:absolute;inset:0;
  background-image:radial-gradient(circle,rgba(255,255,255,.13) 1px,transparent 1px);background-size:26px 26px;opacity:.45}
.page-hero::after{content:"";position:absolute;top:-130px;right:-90px;width:430px;height:430px;
  border-radius:50%;background:rgba(255,255,255,.05)}
.page-hero .wrap{position:relative;z-index:2}
.page-hero h1{color:#fff;font-size:2.8rem;font-weight:800;margin-bottom:14px}
.page-hero p{color:rgba(255,255,255,.8);max-width:620px;margin:0 auto;font-size:1.02rem}
.ph-cta{display:flex;gap:13px;justify-content:center;flex-wrap:wrap;margin-top:30px}

/* full-height option cards */
.jopt{flex-direction:column;align-items:stretch;padding:0}
.jopt .jbody{padding:24px 26px 26px;display:flex;flex-direction:column;flex:1}
.jopt .jbody p{font-size:.88rem;color:var(--slate);margin:0 0 16px;flex:1}
.jopt .go{margin-top:auto}

/* single-column form row */
.f-single{grid-template-columns:1fr}

/* alert bar */
.alertbar{display:flex;gap:16px;align-items:flex-start;margin-top:34px;padding:22px 26px;
  background:var(--gold-soft);border-left:4px solid var(--gold);border-radius:12px;flex-wrap:wrap}
.ab-mark{width:26px;height:26px;border-radius:50%;background:var(--gold);color:#fff;flex-shrink:0;
  display:grid;place-items:center;font-family:var(--display);font-weight:700;font-size:.9rem}
.alertbar p{font-size:.88rem;color:var(--ink);flex:1;min-width:260px;margin:0}
.ab-link{font-family:var(--display);font-weight:600;font-size:.83rem;color:var(--navy);
  display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:7px;flex-shrink:0}
.ab-link svg{width:15px;height:15px;stroke:var(--navy);transition:.24s}
.ab-link:hover svg{transform:translateX(4px)}

/* organisations bar */
.orgbar{display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:space-between;gap:30px;
  background:var(--blue-tint);border-radius:16px;padding:34px 38px;flex-wrap:wrap}
.orgbar h3{font-size:1.4rem;margin:8px 0 8px}
.orgbar p{font-size:.9rem;color:var(--slate);margin:0;max-width:62ch}
.orgbar .btn{flex-shrink:0}

/* footer badge images */
.cert-badges img{height:36px;width:auto;opacity:.9;transition:.26s}
.cert-badges img:hover{opacity:1}
.pay-logos img{height:24px;width:auto;opacity:.85;transition:.26s}
.pay-logos img:hover{opacity:1}

@media(max-width:860px){
  .journey-opts{grid-template-columns:1fr!important}
  .gcards{grid-template-columns:1fr!important}
  .page-hero h1{font-size:2.1rem}
  .orgbar{flex-direction:column;align-items:flex-start}
  .stepper{grid-template-columns:repeat(2,1fr)!important}
}
@media(max-width:560px){
  .stepper{grid-template-columns:1fr!important}
  .ph-cta .btn{width:100%;justify-content:center}
}